The decline in mathematical ability isn’t just a temporary blip caused by COVID – it’s a systemic problem that’s been happening for decades. The trend is deeply concerning because just like literacy, numeracy opens a path to building knowledge and is the foundation for an important part of adult life.
A lack of math knowledge or fear of numbers hinders individuals doing basic tasks such as shopping, cooking, managing money and doing renovations. Knowing math keeps the doors open to high paying jobs in finance, business, engineering, tech and AI, which are key to growing the economy. Researchers have found that student math scores are strong predictors of future academic outcomes and earnings.
Canada has been dropping in the international assessment Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). On the chart below showing the latest Grade 4 assessment, you need to look way down the list to find Canada, which lands in the middle of the pack, below Albania, Armenia and the United States.
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